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How to configure Digitalocean 2 factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is an authentication method that requires entering more than one piece of information to successfully log in to an account or device.

In addition to entering a username and password combination, 2FA requires the user to enter an additional piece of information such as a one-time password, like a six-digit verification code.

In general, 2FA requires the user to enter information of different types:

• Something that the user knows, such as a password
• Also something that the user has, such as the verification code generated from an authenticator application

Default Account Authentication

When you first create your account, 2FA is disabled, but DigitalOcean takes other steps to protect your account.

Each time you log in from a new location using a new device or a different web browser, an authorization code is sent to the address linked to your account.

Then, you will need to check your email, retrieve the code, and enter it to complete your login.

This means that even without 2FA enabled, a bad actor would need both your DigitalOcean password and your email password to log in.

This isn’t as effective as 2FA, but it increases the difficulty for would-be attackers and provides you with notification if someone is trying to access your account.

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

Firstly, to enable 2FA for your DigitalOcean account, log in to the control panel.

If you’re using a team, switch to your personal account first.

Then, click the profile icon in the top right corner of the control panel.

In the menu that opens, click Manage Account to go to your My Account page.

Then, in the Two-factor authentication section, click Set Up 2FA.

When you enable 2FA, you’ll then need to choose your second factor and choose a backup method.

Choosing the Second Factor

When you click the Set Up 2FA button, you need to choose a second factor: either using an authenticator app or using SMS.

Using an App

Authenticator apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, 1Password, Microsoft Authenticator, and Duo are small, free mobile applications used to generate security codes.

They work globally and are more secure than SMS because they don’t transmit the security codes across the network.

When you choose this method, you need to scan the provided QR code using the authenticator app on your phone or tablet.

This links your device to your DigitalOcean account.

Choosing a Backup Method

Once you’ve configured your primary method for 2FA, you’re prompted to add a backup method.

Backup codes are the default selection and recommended method.

Using SMS

If you select SMS, your mobile carrier must be able to deliver a text message.

Which means you’ll need mobile signal or an Internet connection.

Backup Codes

If your 2FA device is lost or stolen, you can use use a backup code to access your account.

Because backup codes act like a second password, store them in a secure place that you can access without your phone.

Backup codes are visible on-screen when you enable 2FA.

You can also download a .txt file called digitalocean_backupcodes.txt.

Backup codes are single use, so it can be helpful to delete or cross out a backup code once you use it.

If you only have a few valid backup codes left, you can generate more. When you regenrate backup codes, any remaining codes from before are no longer valid.

Disabling Two-Factor Authentication

You can disable 2FA on the My Account page.

To get there, click the profile icon in the top right of the control panel.

In the menu that opens, click Manage Account to go to your My Account page and look for the Two-factor authentication section.

Then, click the Disable 2FA button to disable two-factor authentication.

Switching Authenticator Apps

If you have enabled 2FA for your account and are using an authentication app, you can change the current app you are using to authenticate your DigitalOcean account by disabling 2FA and then enabling it again using your preferred authentication app.

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Conclusion

To sum up, our skilled Support Engineers at Bobcares demonstrated how to configure Digitalocean 2 factor authentication.